This is a good question as these two papers are highly scoring. I scored 111 in GS 2 and 130 in GS 3. These scores were definitely one of the highest in both these papers in my attempt.

I followed this systematic strategy to prepare myself:

Static Portion

• Use the syllabus to chalk up all the sources for the static portion first. These portions would include topics such as constitution, federal structure, governance, judiciary, RPA and IR topics and many such others.
• For each of these topics, what I had to do was to collect content through online sources and read various Law commission reports, supreme court cases, Laxmikanth (for some static portions) etc. You can make notes on these or use some ready made sources/books/online sources, I refer to later here.
• Make sure that your concepts are absolutely clear. Without knowing the background and basic fundamentals, you will not be comfortable even with current affairs questions as UPSC requires some analysis and critical approach to answer writing.
• For GS 3, relatively lesser number of static topics are there as most of the syllabus is dynamic in nature. There, here focus on current after covering some static portions, as described below.

Current Portion

• The best sources for current affairs for mains are:
• Monthly magazines from one of the reliable coaching institutes that provide good quality monthly current affairs. Just pick one of these magazines and cover it properly for both GS 2 and 3 sections.
• Be sure to supplement your current affairs with the background conceptual readings. For example, if you read about the issue of Triple Talaq case in the Supreme court or about Aadhar ruling by Supreme court made recently, then be sure to pick up the static books and go through the relevant Constitutional articles and old cases Supreme court rulings as well in these. However, don’t do over analysis. Go through only the benchmark rulings and major events.

What to Read

• GS 2:
• Laxmikanth for some static portion is useful however the entire book is not necessary at all! In mains, lot of the topics are not covered hence you have to be very careful while reading Laxmikanth for mains (to ensure you don’t waste time). I personally read it only thrice (7–8 hours total) and that too selected chapters.
• You can refer to my book as well (110+ in GS 2, on amazon). My main aim to launch it was to cover this critical gap for GS 2 in mains and also to provide a comprehensive answer writing approach you can follow. (with over 100 solved answers). I am not trying to sell, but I sincerely do believe it will be helpful for the aspirants as I have put a lot of hard work into it.
• GS 3:
• Yojana magazine, selectively read Kurukshetra for rural development and agriculture
• NITI Aayog reports’ gist
• Economic Survey
• ARCs, 12th Five year plan (I know it ended in 2017, but there is still some really useful content there which is even relevant till 2020).
• Make sure you do some basic reading (conceptual from the internet) on issues like unemployment, development policy making in India, sustainable development, budget main features, agricultural policy and such others given in the syllabus. This will help you to form points on major issues, solutions etc. in each of those topics.

Answer Writing

• THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT than reading. I you read well and write even better, it will probably end up getting you more marks than someone who read great but didn’t practice a lot of writing.
• For this, start writing at least 2 answers per day from online sources (timed) on your own and self-evaluate or use online peer platforms to get them evaluated. Start doing this at least 5–6 months before prelims (but stop 2–3 months before prelims).
• Then, take full test series after mains. If you have taken test series before prelims itself, just still try to write at least 1–2 questions per day. Daily practice makes a HUGE difference and you will yourself see a considerable difference.
• Remember, UPSC is looking for both quality AND quantity. So, an answer of 150–200 words is expected.

How to Write Answers

• To do this, you have to make up the mind to do a LOT of answer writing practice. This really helps for all the 4 GS papers and is absolutely necessary in order to develop your speed and sharpness of thought and points you present in the answers.
• Break down the question in 1–3 parts (if required) and tackle each of it. Don’t get caught up in one part of the question and ignore the other. This is critical.
• It goes without saying that diagrams/tables etc. make a huge difference but do not overdo them. Only use them where they can enhance the quality of the answer and make it easier for examiner to read your copy.
• A lot more points follow in my book and blog :) Happy reading :)

Just wanted to attach cover page of my book :) A lot of hard work and thought went into it. Hope you like it. Please provide feedback :)

I scored 70 in GS II and 66 in GS III. Both scores were average during my attempt. So please read this answer in two parts- what to do and what NOT to do.

You have to read a lot. Newspaper, Laxmikant, reports are a must. Please do not miss out on anything that has been hogging the limelight in the newspaper for 2–3 days continuously.

Now where I went wrong, I read a lot. Indeed I did. But, I did not do sufficient answer writing. In CSE 2014, FDI in Defence sector was in the focus. I had read extensively about it. But during the crucial time of writing it in the exam, I forgot major points. Only because I did not do enough answer writing.

Another most important thing for GS II and III is linking static questions with current affairs. For example, if you are asked a question on powers of LG/administrator in a UT, you should substantiate it with an example from the recent Supreme Court judgement on Delhi.

This again requires you to read newspapers, Yojana etc. in addition to static course books.

I have written in detail, paper-wise strategy in my book 71 to 51. You should give it a read for a one-stop guide to UPSC preparation. Here it is- https://71to51.quora.com/71-to-51-My-new-book

The initiative deserves an applause. They came to my rescue in revising the important portions of Static books in the last weeks of Prelims. I could ‘revise’ the important books like Environment, Polity etc in very few days. This gave me the much needed confidence in the end. I'm happy to this extent.

However, the issue lies in coverage. Wrt Shankar, I think they haven't updated to the 6th edition in many respects. When I cross checked for some important areas in Pollution chapter etc., they were missing. Also some work could be done in simplifying the species chapters in biodiversity

Same with Laxmikanth. Important Chapters like Fundamental rights, DPSP are too simplistic. They just have the article names. Same with chapters like PRIs. I wish some extra attention be put into these chapters. The overall size of Laxmikanth gist is some 130 pages which I agree, is a treat to revise during emergencies. However this needn't come at cost of some important chapters.

These are the 2 books I referred from Crux notes during my last weeks

Overall, I am ok with the notes. As they mention in their booklets, these are strictly for revision purposes and not a replacement of the main books.

It helps if you can add the missing vital areas by yourself. If they themselves do it, I'm sure Crux will be a great product to be universally recommended.

Right now- 3 stars.

They can make it 5 Stars with a little more caution and care

PS- One more good thing I found is the revisions they are attempting here and there. For eg- they have updated the NHRC, RTI chapters as per latest amendments. Same in Environment too. But I wish such updations are comprehensive.

UPSC certainly knows the art of framing the questions very well! However, if you look beyond the flowery words then except for 5 odd questions, the paper was traditional and on expected lines. Consider these:

1. Fragmented Polity
2. Traditional artisan industry
3. New objectives of Freedom Struggle
4. Women Social Reform
5. Question of religion and communism
6. Climate Change and Cryosphere
7. Oceanic Salinity
8. Petroleum Refinery
9. Characteristic of Monsoon
10. Moderates Strategy
11. Initiatives for STs

I think if you prepare a list of 100 probable questions that UPSC can ask then atleast 7 or 8 questions from above questions will make it to that list.

I would consider questions like:

1. Gupta’s Numismatic
2. Decolonisation in Malay Peninsula

to be difficult and out of the box.

For rest 7–8 questions, UPSC tried to experiment by linking current events with fundamentals (JUNO Misson, Flood, Coal Mining etc.)

Those who relied only on coaching institute notes would have faced disappointment. The paper again proves the point that standard textbooks are indispensable.

For instance, students generally skip Bipan Chandra’s book by relying on some magical formula of not studying 500+ pages textbook.

However, if you read this book (alongwith India Since Independence), you are well equipped to handle philosophical type questions that you found in this year’s paper.

Similarly, questions in Geography are being asked from Current Events and the best way to handle these questions is to read Indian Express. For example, on coal mining a very interesting article was published in IE in September. Here is the link:

Over the barrel: Energy needs inspiration

I have written a detailed preparation strategy in my book 71 to 51. It is an Amazon best-seller. Every aspirations wants to clear this exam in first attempt should read it. Here is the detail of the book- https://71to51.quora.com/71-to-51-My-new-book

worst and pathetic.

Reason -

1. Not timely checking of papers.
2. Naive and Novice comments by the evaluator.
3. Fake proposition “one to one“ discussion, nothing of this sort happens.
4. If you raise Ticket on their platform - No resolution of the issue.

• I am writing this with conviction!

• Proof I am attaching.

Good luck !

GS paper 2 was moderate and lengthy. Many questions have current perspective with analytical thinking.

Polity and governance -11 questions

Social justice and Welfare - 5 questions

International relations- 4 questions.

Polity was mostly with static theme- like rajya sabha, PIL, civil services, judiciary, while NEP 2020 was from current affairs. Section was difficult and lengthy.

There was questions on parliament acts in news.

RPA section 123 was difficult question ,there is little content in laxmikant.

Question RTI act was straight forward from current affairs.

Question on act1897, act 2005 and farm act was easier due to hot topics.

Question on federation was easy side.

Comparison of UK and Indian judiciary was difficult due to limited knowledge of UK judiciary.

Question on speaker was easy moderate - due to news .

Question on women and old people could be answered easily ( India @75 is good source)

Reforms in civil services was easy, aspirants read 2nd ARC and recent reforms like mission karmayogi could answers easily.

4th IR and e governance was easier side, more content in current affairs.

Covid question was easier side.

Indian diaspora question was easy-like kamla Haris in USA and others in Canada, UK, Australia etc.

PIL and judicial activism was analytical.

Local bodies functionality question was difficult due to less known content.

RAJYA sabha question was analytical.

Constitutionalise of body was easier but second part was analytical.

Poverty is common theme.

Poverty and SHG is common theme.

NEP 2020 and SDG 4 was easier.

Questions on QUAD and US-India- Russia relationship was easier.

Regards

B.A. NAGESH ( Retd Civil Servant & IAS NETWORK Team )

I think u have some basics knowledge about civil service and I will try to help you whatever I can do . First let’s break it paper wise and have some basic clarity about it .( Go through notes given at the end )

1 GS -1 history- spectrum and selective reading of Bipin Chandra, world history- vision ias and selective reading of Norman Lowe , Geography- 11–12 NCERT , society- NCERT and Ram Ahuja. Culture Nitin Singhania and ncert .

2.GS-2 polity and governances - M.lakshmikant , science- ncert ,, Security- Ashok kumar and vipul

3.GS-3 economy- sriram ias , budget and economic survey, social justice- science and biodiversity- sriram ias , security - Ashok kumar , vipul

4. GS-4 Lukman and definition of all topic from google and books . 2 nd arc report and Niti aayog @75.

Notes - Make notes from newspaper and watch rajya Sabha programme like big picture etc . Vision ias mains 365 and value addition. Try to give current examples and relate with SDG Goals and world best practices. Let me give one example how to combine static and dynamic portion .

In a nut shell minimum resources and maximum revision and answer writing practice and join one test series for your evaluation and look into previous year question papers.

As an aspirant, I've compiled a list of essential books for General Studies (GS) Mains for UPSC CSE. Here's my guide:

GS 1

Indian Art and Culture

Books:

An Introduction to Indian Art – Class XI NCERT

Ancient and Medieval India NCERTs (Chapters on culture)

Heritage Crafts: Living Craft Traditions of India - NCERT

Tips:

This topic can be overwhelming initially. Start with other GS topics and come back to this once you’re comfortable.

UPSC's recent questions are analytical, requiring both facts and analysis. Understand the historical context behind the art.

Visual aids are crucial. Watch videos of visual and performing arts to aid recall.

Use diagrams to illustrate points, e.g., sketches of Stupa features or Dravida and Nagara style architecture.

Repeated revision is key for memorization.

Modern Indian History

Books: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum Publications

Tips: Thorough preparation for prelims should suffice; focus on answer writing practice.

India’s Post-Independence History

Book: India Since Independence by Bipan Chandra

Tips: Make notes from this book.

World History

Book: World History: Patterns of Interaction by McDougal Littell

Tips: Prepare concise notes and practice maps for major historical events.

Geography

Strategy: Follow the same study plan as for prelims.

Indian Society

Books: NCERT Sociology Std XI and XII

Tips: Make concise notes including definitions, statistics, govt schemes, and historical examples.

GS 2

Polity, Governance, and Social Justice

Books: Laxmikanth, ARC 2 reports, Current Affairs.

Tips:

Quote important Supreme Court judgments.

Write balanced answers with arguments on both sides of the issue.

Keep up with current affairs and include latest statistics and reports.

International Relations

Books: A comprehensive book covering historical aspects of India’s bilateral relations.

Current Affairs.

Tips:

Understand historical contexts of relationships.

Write multidimensional answers covering strategic, economic, and cultural aspects.

Use maps to illustrate points where relevant.

GS 3

Economy

Static Portion: Standard Books, Budget and Economic Survey (summaries), Niti Aayog Action Plan, Current Affairs.

Tips:

Focus on concise notes for each topic.

Statistics and committee reports are crucial.

Security, Disaster Management, Environment, and Ecology

Books:

Vajiram and Vision IAS material, Eden IAS book, Current Affairs.

Tips: Prepare clear definitions and use diagrams where necessary.

Science & Technology

Current Affairs: The Hindu, Vision IAS Mains 365, Eden IAS Daily Current Affairs

Tips:

Note down scientific terms from news.

Understand concepts through explainer videos.

GS 4

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Books: Eden IAS class Notes

Tips:

Define each term clearly.

Use real-life examples and personal experiences.

Prepare realistic and practicable solutions for case studies.

General Tips:

Consistent answer writing practice is essential.

Stay updated with current affairs.

Use reliable sources for statistics and reports.

End answers with committee recommendations or relevant observations.

Best of luck to all UPSC aspirants!

The sacrosanct commission conducted the GS 1 and GS 2 papers today. Following are my interpretations on GS Paper 1:

1. The questions in GS paper 1 were not particularly tough. They were of an easy to medium level.
2. Questions from sociology and culture encompassed about 40 percent of the span of the paper. Globalization, Caste System, Regionalism and cultural assertiveness, rock cut architecture. Important to mention Friedman, Ghurye, Sen here to inch ahead.
3. Geography was pegged at about 35 pc weightage and History proper at out 15 pc. Current Affairs at about 10 pc
4. Amartya Sen's notion that Heterodoxy is the main strength of India was the guiding principle to answer majority of questions on culture. Additionally Sanskritization, Yogendra Singh's Selective Modernization as also sons of soil theory were formidably applicable.
5. Geography questions had more of a textual base just like History proper.
6. Notable was the absence of questions on World History. A breather of sorts.

An analysis of GS 2 is here:

1. Straight off the bat, GS P 2 was a paper presenting a medium level of challenge.
2. It was a Polity Heavy Paper and one was expected to have a strong grounding in contemporary political developments.
3. IR was alloted less weightage to the extent of about 20 pc of the paper.
4. There were actually some mind bending questions like once a speaker always a speaker as also the increasing role of RS in extending the reach of democratic practice in India.
5. This paper demanded more of one's well formed opinion on a variety of topics along with an amalgamation of views of experts and transglobal experience as in the question on digital revolution.
6. Lateral and out of the box thinking was tested more over here than GS P 1
7. Do also note that there is a lot of topical overlap with GS P3 like microfinance, health care, poverty, civil services and democracy.

for saturdays with a civil servant check profile panel

As I have not seen GS 2 paper so I will not talk about it but GS 1 can we discussed.

The questions came on expected line. The first question of GS 1 was almost same question I gave in telegram Channel

You can see the pictures

The paper affirms that you need to be very good at static portion. You can see many direct questions.

Second thing religiously follow past year question paper and syllabus because questions came directly from syllabus.

There are questions which are almost similar which I have given for practice

I am uploading few pics and you can see yourself in the channel as it is public channel

And many from daily targets

Just visit this channel once and see yourself

Part A- how do make notes

1.Before making any notes for gs-2 & gs -3 first get thy syllabus & try to simplify it / break it in sub topic.

2. Select sources for it ( ovs limited sources for static & refer the Hindu newspaper,govt report, economic survey,niti ayog report, arc for current )

3. Read topics atleast 2 time & then proceed for note making( if you think 2 time is not enough for you then not an issue read it again & than proceed for note making)

4. Try to streamline topics of pt with mains syllabus & proceed.

5. Use A4 white sheet for note making .

6. Keep updating your note with current issue.

Part - B My notes For GS- 2

Gs 2 includes governance ( also in pt syllabus),constitution,polity(also in pt),social justice & IR

Topic - Indian constitution

Let's start with preamble of Indian constitution

IC- Fundamental right

Current issue (amendment,bills&SC judgement from the hindu pib,prs)

Topic - Role of civil services

Topic- International relation ( only current issue from the hindu)

Remark

1. Couldn't include gs-3 notes cse already my ans is too much lengthy.
2. Their are n number of way to do a single thing so this is my way of making notes ( I'm comfortable in it).
3. So unnecessarily do not blindly copy or compare my note making with other

Hope it will help you.

Thankyou.

Have a gud day :)

UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM 2017: General Studies Paper – 2 Question Paper

1. “The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (150 words)
2. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (150 words)
3. ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (150 words)
4. How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (150 words)
5. Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (150 words)
6. ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (150 words)
7. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss (150 words)
8. Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (150 words)
9. ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (150 words)
10. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words)
11. Explain the salient features of the constitution(One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? (250 words)
12. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (250 words)
13. The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (250 words)
14. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (250 words)
15. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words)
16. ‘The emergence of Self Help Groups(SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words)
17. ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words)
18. Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment (250 words)
19. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words)
20. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context (250 words)

The 2017 UPSC civil services mains General Studies Paper 3 question paper is given below.

1. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, savings rate is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the other factors available for growth potential? (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
2. Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
3. Examine the developments of Airports in India through Joint Ventures under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
4. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in agriculture after independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
5. What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost effective small processing unit? How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers? (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
6. Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thallassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
7. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
8. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
9. Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
10. The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)
11. One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
12. “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
13. What are the salient features of ‘inclusive growth’? Has India been experiencing such a growth process? Analyze and suggest measures for inclusive growth. (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
14. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system? (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
15. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
16. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
17. ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
18. On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
19. Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)
20. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (Answer in 250 words, 15 marks)

candidates get confused about what to study for UPSC Mains exam, what books to refer, from where to take coaching classes etc etc. Books for UPSC Civil Service Main Exam overlap with many books recommended for Prelims. But UPSC Mains stage demands certain additional books as there are new topics like Foreign Relations, Internal Security, Ethics.

GS Paper 1

Indian Heritage and Culture

1. The Wonder That Was India A.L. Bhasham
2. Indian Art and Culture Nitin Singhania

India and World History

1. India's Ancient Past R.S. Sharma
2. History Of Modern India Bipan Chandra
3. India's Struggle For Independence Bipan Chandra

Geography of the World and Society

1. Geography of India Majid Husain (Geography)
2. Oxford School Atlas Oxford (Geography)
3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography Goh Cheng Leong (Geography)

GS Paper 2

1. Indian Constitution at Work (NCERT)
2. Indian Polity by Laxmikanth
3. Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu
4. Governance in India by Laxmikanth
5. India Year Book
6. Contemporary World Politics (NCERT)

GS Paper 3

1. Economic Survey
2. Science and Technology in India TMH
3. The Environment for Civil Services prelims and Mains Khuller
4. India Year Book
5. ARC Report on Disaster Management
6. Indian Economy by Uma Kapila

GS Paper 4

1. Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (Ethics GS4)
2. IAS Mains General Studies Ethics (Arihant Manual GS4)

First of all congratulations u have completed it ncerts that will form ur solid base …..Now after Ncerts comes the turn of standard books that mostly all the aspirants follow

For instance :

Polity by laxmikanth

History

1. Ancient India - class 11th old ncert
2. Medieval - satish chandra
3. Modern - Bipin chandra / spectrum ( for value addition)
4. Geography - max revision of class 11 and 12th ncerts
5. Economics - 12th macro economics revision
6. Society - 12th society ncerts revision
7. Environment and ecology - Shankar ias book
1. Do maximum revision of these standard books …… Solve previous years questions

• Hope this will help u ….
• All the best !!!☺️

First of all, The pattern of marks changed 10 marks and 15 marks questions continued as in GS1 and GS2 . The first ten questions in 2017 GS 1 mains carried 10 marks each and the word count for each was 150 words. The last ten questions carried 15 marks each and had a word count of 250 words each.

Analyse

• Unlike GS1, there were many predictable, expected questions and latest issue.
• Paper 2 was specific in nature. (Question was directly uplifted from current affairs) like GST cascading, right to privacy, elections etc.
• this 2017’s paper has straight forward questions:- 16 out 20 questions i.e. 80% of the questions can be solved straightforward from standard preparation / reference sources alone, and within that, large chunk from Kurukshetra magazine, laxmikanth IGNOU MPS-003 and 2nd ARC reports.
• Such as PAC’s role in enforcing accountability, weakness PRI, pressure group, Poverty and Hunger and .Jt session of parliament
• Therefore, expensive coaching and study material is not necessary for success. Mains Success primarily depends on your ability to write less mediocre answer than others, in given time limit.
• To answer this question, you need absolute knowledge. it gives an advantage to people who can remember facts well.
• Overall paper 2 Least complex and easier than paper 1.

Sectional analysis

Section----------- overall marks

• Polity ------- 90 marks
• Welfare -----60 marks
• Governance 50 marks
• 1R ———— 50marks

I have already answered this question. Here is the revised version of that answer.. The article has been written with with inputs from Vedant Ojha, Officer Trainee for Civil Services, Govt Of India

https://www.facebook.com/vedant.ojha.14

QUESTION AND ANALYSIS OF 2017 PAPER GS PAPER 1

GS Paper 1 was a not actually a conventional mix of traditionality and modernity in selection of topics. The topics may look like traditional and modern but the answert to these questions defy any such differentiation.

There were several sections from which questions were asked as usual.

A brief break up and its analysis is given here.

Art & Culture (1)

How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?

The question does not indicate anything, no trend needs to be deciphered, rather the students have to start gearing themselves up for next year thinking that the UPSC is going to reverse this part.

There was just one question from this portion (Some may call it highly unpredictable) The question on Gupta Numismatic Art was difficult to answer only because of the information content but also because of the type of moulding of language that was involved. The question on understanding and knowlege of history of Gupta period, its meaning what were the political and economic reasons like some wars such as a possible invasion like the huns and decline in trade with Roman empire, made the Gupta empire weak which reflected in decline in mineral gold content in coins too. It was not easy to answer and was also not a NCERT level analysis, although content could be easily found in NCERT.

Pre Modern India (1)

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity.

The question on fragmented polity was simple in the sense that it can be easily answered. But only if the topic was known and its linkage with Modern India well understood. The question is an indication of the fact the students shouldn’t forget the linkages between Modern India and pre modern India events either in India or even with the events that take place in the world.

Freedom Struggle (4)

Why did the ‘Moderates’ failed to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

1. The question on Moderates and their strategies has been asked frequently in Civil Services in the past. The meaning of the question is very comprehendible, what is to be written is equally structured but how is it that is to be written is a difficult job.

Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy

2. Decline of traditional artisan industry was indeed a simple topic that will be present in any source or any book on History. Its not too much of an effort to find its answer.

Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century.

3. The question on the importance of the new objectives and how it added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century was straightforward as far as the chapter was concerned but the transition in language and the moulding of expression was what was more significant to present in the answers. Generally, by looking at the topic, the students say that the topic is simple. This approach is to be abandoned now and the students should indeed look at the way the question is asked.

The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

4. Women’s question on social reform movement is one topic that the UPSC has been asking almost every year in one form or another. The student is required to undertand issue concerning women during liberation struggle.

World History (1)

What problems are germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula

The question on decolonization of Malay Peninsula is one question that the students will consider as bolt from the blue. Partly that will be right as well, as the students mostly prepare for their chapter and syllabus rather than train themselves for developing an insight into the topic. Any chapter on decolonisation will include examples from SE Asia, Africa and Latin America, and it was simply one example.

Post Independence India (1)

Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India

The question on differentiation between Religiousness and communalism was in the offing since a lot of talk was on Kashmir issue being a communal problem rather than any other problem and that people must separate their emotions of religiousness from communal overtoones. Religion doesn’t teaches them to be communal. The topic may be in a book, the description may be in a chapter, but the insight and the language had to be developed by the candidate themselves.

Geography (9)

From thew standpoint of number of marks, this was the biggest section having the highest allocation of marks.

How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth .

The question on JUNO Mission is current affairs based and made major headlines few months back. So Geography started getting Current as well from this point onwards.

Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss

The question on adverse effect of coal mining may look like a normal question which can be answered by newspapers or some environmental magazine, but it is not. The answer required a comparative deep analytical presentation of why despite adverse impact, coal mining is still preferred, it also required deep understanding of comparative environmental impacts of other sources as well. Amalgamation of various components of environment vs development is significant content for anlysis incorporation here.

Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by United Nations

The question on pulses was asked for it was in news and because of the degree of simplicity it went on to wear. It was very answerable in the most conventionable manner. Indeed, It is a combination of Current Affairs with Geography with Agriculture.

How does the cryosphere affect global climate

The question on Cryosphere was Straightforward, but not easy to answer at all as it talked about the impact cryosphere has, not the melting of cryosphere has on environment. The answer to this question is very technical and required a real deep understanding of albedo, inversions, katabatic winds, stabilty and regional climates. The question was asked in geography optional in 2012 and offered a lot of scope to the candidate for making a mistake. The answer is not published anywhere in text till now.

Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects

On Oceanic Salinity, there were two components. One was the reasons for salinity difference. This is something that everyone studies at the basic level during their initial days of preparation. The second part was on its multi-dimensional effects and this required a real deep understanding of the topic. Till now no GS book is equipped to answer this topic correctly. The multidimensional effects required candidates to discuss 1. Changes in the physical properties of water, and its consequences for something like monsoons, 2. osmotic pressure, 3. Climatic and Weather Changes, and 3. Biotic effects like it has on Euryhaline organisms or Stenohaline organisms.

Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications

The question on Petroleum refinery as to why they are are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries and its implications is a knowledge filled topic, requiring some real deep studies and perspective development. The topic was not available anywhere in any book or any site before examination.

In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India

The question on flood required a good application of mind. It had nothing to do with floods which keep coming regualrly in certain parts of India and is not a current affairs based topic. The topic was asked on the basis of seminar on local wisdom and how the modern methods of flood control had not been helpful, and why do we need to go for traditional local wisdom which can control floods without any environmental damage and at the same time aiding navigation and irrigation as well. It was a very deep understanding based topic and the solution to floods has not been approached in that manner at all till now on any portal or any site. Moreover this answer was not to be written in points at all.

What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia

The topic has nothing to do with mundane characteristics. It required linking every characeristic along with with its cropping pattern, intensity of cropping, crop diversification, livestock issues, irrgation or non irrigation approach as well as determination of agricultural season. No NCERT will help the candidates. What will help is conceptualisation of monsoons and its insightful interlinkages.

In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your view point

Whether regions form cultural units other than states is an interesting facet and therefore of medium to high difficulty in terms of language and expression, Factually, the topic is so easily found and in every type of sources. Every one thinks that they can write an answer on this topic, but how is that they structure it, is what is very important. The topic is easy, and easier the topic the more difficult it is to write. This was one such topic that tested the candidates ability to write a fluent language. Anyone writing in pointwise form is gone.

Social Issues (3)

The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate

The question on “the spirit of tolerance and love is not only an extraordinary feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part during present. The question has been asked to test the cndidates ability of undertsanding of the Hindu society, understanding of Indianness which is talked about so much now in the world and about Dr Shashi Tharoor’s endorsement of Arnold Toyanbes’s statement, “It is already becoming clearer that a chapter which has a western beginning will have to have an Indian ending, if it is not to end in the self destruction of the human race”. So unless the candidates have actually known the proceedings of discussion or evinced interest in the statement which is now being recognised more and more by the Westerners, their insight will be missing.

What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes

Major legal initiatives for STs is a GS Paper-II question. Students having read Polity books of Laxmikant or Pylee or even Social Issues or even gathered material from portals or Social Welfare sites of Govt of India will be answering it easily.

The growth of cities as I.T hubs is a new question, innovative question on innovative topic with a potent mixture of Economy, Sociology and Geography. It looks like a standard question from Urbanism and urban issues. But, this question now defines the trend of interrleated and intearctive question approach with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approach.

Generalisations that can be drawn out of Paper 1

To begin with the paper is quite lengthy because of dimensions it has covered.

The questions are straight but subtle and have numerous traps for the candidate. All the questions do not test the candidate’s ability to know facts, rather they keep a tab on the candidates’ ability to write good expressive language, mould the language, and vary the structure and organisation of the writeup instantly in the exam hall.

The arrangement of questions in paper has changed.

The paper has covered most of the untouched topics. The lesson it offers is, “Never leave a topic considering it to be less important”. Complete coverage of the syllabus is very essential.

Thinking that too much amount of time will be spent on Art & Culture will be counter productive, will be actually counterproductive as one never know that in 2018, you are asked five questions on that.

The relative weightage of geography has increased to 50%. Geography has to studied in a manner that needs to go much beyond NCERT and Goh Cheng leong. Some related events in newspapers especially has to be paid special attention which can be even remotely related to Geography.

The Question Paper was very innovative, very thought-provoking and would have been really enjoyable to answer by gathering and amalgamting all insights.

Surprisingly there is some current affair topic in the paper which can be conceptualised only in hindsight.

The paper has a trap by dividing questions in the word limit of 150 and 250 and considering the time factor one will not be able be write all answers.

This time paper is not grouped topic wise as has always been the case. So one is readily surprised.

Reading UPSC’s Mind: Analysis & Interpretaion of 2017 questions

Conclusion

Merely because the topics are mentioned in the NCERT doesn’t allow that topic to be qualified as being asked from NCERT. Books provide you with insight. Higher level books do give you deep insights, a food for thought and train your language too. The questions asked are way above the level of NCERT, not in terms of facts but in perspective, undertanding and deep insights that the students get.

UPSC is not asking from what you have read, what cheap tution centres coach you, and what is conventionally given as fact in some popular books. Questions are being asked over and above the chapters. The earlier the students understand it, the better it is for their career. Anyone saying that everything can be managed by NCERT is either duping the students, misguiding them or are oblivious of the challenges the UPSC now poses for the candidates.

The students have to grow up now or else they will keep complaining throughout their life that UPSC is unpredictable.

READ BETWEEN THE LINES

1. “UPSC IS ASKING YOU TO “LEARN FROM” TEXTBOOKS, NEW BOOKS, BUILD NEW PERSPECTIVE, RATHER THAN “STUDY” MUNDANE GUIDE BOOKS, NOTES AND KEYS.
2. THE CANDIDATES NEED TO KNOW THE TOPIC ANYHOW, BUT NEED TO KNOW MORE IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND ITS PERIPHERAL ASPECTS EQUALLY.

Dear Candidate,

Here is the book-list for GS Mains exam-

Current Affairs- Newspaper, Any monthly magazine ( you may skip at this stage and start when you are one year away from prelims examination)

Indian Culture NCERT- Introduction to fine arts, Nitin Singhaniya book

Modern Indian History NCERT books- Our Past III, Themes In Indian History III, Spectrum book

Indian Society 11th & 12th NCERT, Current Affairs

World History Arjun Dev

Geography 11th & 12th NCERT books, G C Leong, Atlas

Post-Independence India NCERT, Pradhan Mantri Series on Rajyasabha TV

Constitution Lakshmikant, Current affairs

Polity Lakshmikant, Current affairs

Governance Lakshmikant book on Governance, Current affairs

International Relations Current Affairs

Agriculture Sriram IAS notes, Current affairs

Economy Sriram IAS notes, current affairs

Science & Technology Current affairs

Environment Shankar IAS book, Currents affairs

Disaster management January 2017 Yojana

Internal security Book By Ashok Kumar IPS

Ethics Lexicon book

Hope it will help you…

All the best.